A View on the Future of Architecture: A Q&A with Gary Lapera

Today's ever-changing world demands a shift in thinking around infrastructure and architecture.

At the heart of our architectural solutions lies a commitment to designing exceptional spaces across the world. It's a promise we've been privileged to deliver for more than 70 years - creating bespoke buildings that deliver lasting value to clients and communities.

Through a creative blending of art, science and technology, our designs transcend mere bricks and mortar, addressing both immediate and long-term goals with visionary precision and nurturing healthier, more resilient communities.

Through practitioners like Global Solutions Director of Buildings & Infrastructure Gary Lapera, we integrate environmental and socio-economic sustainability strategies and innovation into all that we do-crafting environments that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible - one exceptional space at a time. In this Q&A, we connect with Gary to discuss trends and opportunities in architecture and how it's driving positive global change.

Tell us a bit about what a day in the life is like as Jacobs Global Solutions Director of Architecture, and what we offer our clients in this area.

My role as a global solutions director is to map buildings across Jacobs' end markets around the world. Buildings, infrastructure and architecture are changing our company's fundamental trajectory, poised to drive organic growth in a new and different way and that's what I enjoy most: being part of a major growth engine for Jacobs and our clients.

I believe that authentic solutions come from many voices. The best solutions, whether it's buildings or infrastructure, are born out of synergistic collaborations, which yield a better building, a better master plan and better infrastructure. Most importantly, they deliver enduring value to our communities. Our architecture team is always looking through that SP2 lens, which means "systems, people, and places," and looking to see how we can deliver out-of-the-box solutions that leave a legacy for our clients.

How are we helping our clients think differently about buildings and infrastructure?

We've expanded the lens of consideration for infrastructure projects to include not only the foundational systems (water, transit, energy) but also people and places. This new model, "citizen infrastructure," intends to create environments that are highly efficient, inclusive and sustainable. Many of these projects are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create long-term prosperity and transformational community betterment at scale.

Our architects are creating the next generation of buildings and working with clients to reimagine their portfolios. We've pivoted to a future-forward strategy that addresses the reality that conventional delivery of services and problem-solving is no longer meeting the challenges of the built environment. Jacobs is expanding its influence in some of the most complex building markets, such as science & research, transit, aviation, federal and large-scale mixed-use, and unlocking the next evolution of growth.

Is there a project you're particularly proud of?

We recently completed the Feasibility Study for a $34 billion Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility on Rikers Island. This project will result in a generational change in New York City's approach to infrastructure. The market teams have collaborated extensively, re-imagining the entire process and outcomes. We're thinking about it from a holistic viewpoint, not just focusing on one end market but instead on the outcomes for the community: better harbor water quality, maximized stormwater management, a new source of renewable energy and growth in the circular economy.

Looking to the future, what are some of the biggest opportunities ahead for buildings and infrastructure?

We're very fortunate because we can collaborate with Jacobs' different end markets in ways that will drive growth in directions we haven't seen before, especially in areas like transportation with aviation and rail opportunities. There are new ideas about infrastructure and how it can impact cities and quality of life. I think that's one of the more significant drivers. Also, when we think about water, there are new ideas and approaches to creating resiliency while simultaneously improving people's and communities' quality of life. This idea of cross-pollination will mean a lot for all our markets and influence new ways of working together.

A notable example of this collaboration is the Bridge at the Denver International Airport. Our aviation teammates collaborated with our capital & transaction teammates to create a design solution connecting terminals that provided enough retail space / revenue to fund the construction. It's this out-of-the-box innovation that is the future.

Like the projects I shared, you get a perspective on how buildings fundamentally shape our human environment. It's important to think about our projects with that SP2 lens and to figure out how we can create more sustainable and equitable communities through our work. Ultimately, it all comes down to improving the quality of life in the places where we work.

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